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It was shut, the place no question on lockdown.

Four Crows stood guard, and Trevan gave them the signal.

The gate slowly swept open, and the entire escort flooded through.

Instantly, we were secured by the towering walls that hedged the property.

We followed the dirt road around the shop, passing by the clubhouse where the rest of the motorcycles debarked to, the group easing to a stop beneath the shade of the ancient oaks.

Except for Brody who kept up right behind us.

Sunlight flickered through the leaves as we traveled down the meandering curves of the lane until we arrived at the back of the property.

Through a break in the woods, the house came into view.

My spirit squeezed in relief.

My family was out on the lawn in front, and I could feel the worry blazing back.

The way Silas’s attention cut to us. The grimness in the slash of his mouth.

Kai was in Brinley’s arms. Both set in a soft sway.

Meems was on the porch in a rocking chair, watching over the whole scene.

Trevan rolled to a stop next to Silas’s bike, and Brody pulled up on the other side of us.

I wasn’t all the way off before Brinley had rushed up and wrapped me in her arms with Kai pressed between us as she hugged me tight. Terrified that she would never see me again.

“I was so worried about you.”

It was a haggard rasp at my ear.

I squeezed her just as fiercely. “I’m okay. It wasn’t a big deal.”

It was. We both knew it.

She choked and shook her head. “They’re going to get him, Elena.”

“I know.”

She nodded, then stepped back, wiping her tears. I forced down the emotion when I noticed Kai’s confusion. The baby catching up to the fear that clouded the atmosphere.

“Were you playing outside?” I injected as much enthusiasm into it as I could.

Kai’s little face twisted into joy. “We got fun, Wena!”

Love pressed firmly against my ribs.

“Without me?” I played it up like I was completely offended, choosing lightness.

It was all we could do.

Kai giggled and pointed an accusatory finger. “No fun for Wena!”

“What?” I poked his chubby belly. “Am I not allowed to have fun?”

Brinley spun him out of my reach, making him squeal with glee.